Much was made about Joe Alexander — by the way, much better yesterday— breaking WVU’s 11-year draft drought when the Milwaukee Bucks made him the first Mountaineers player selected since Gordon Malone went to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round in 1997.

Many have since wondered what exactly happened to Malone, who was a pretty good, though not a great player for the Mountaineers in 1996-97. Well, he’s literally trotted the globe. According to the New York Post, Malone, now 33, is “dominating” something called the ABA. He’s also somewhat regretful.

After two years playing at West Virginia, Malone entered the 1997 NBA Draft, landing with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected him with the 44th overall pick, but Malone was cut before the regular season.

“I was supposed to go in the first round, so it was surprising when I dropped,” Malone said. “It was stunning because I didn’t leave school to go in the second round.

“Of course I wish I would’ve never come out that year, but I can’t do anything about that now. I say to all kids now that are coming out that they should stay in school.”